FBI PSA: IoT Devices Targeted by Attackers

The FBI has Released a New PSA

According to the alert, I-080218-PSA, actors with malicious intent have been actively using vulnerable IoT devices. Said devices act as proxies to route malicious traffic for cyber attacks and computer network exploitation.

This reinforces what we have been saying for a very long time. Ignoring or mismanaging IoT device security leaves organizations wide open to potentially devastating cyber attacks that could have far-reaching national and even international consequences.The FBI warns that a large range of devices could be misused. Examples include routers, smart watches, IP phones, streaming devices, IP cameras, network attached storage devices, and network connected printers. The list goes on and on; any device connected to the internet could be targeted.

The alert states “Cyber actors typically compromise devices with weak authentication, unpatched firmware or other software vulnerabilities, or employ brute force attacks on devices with default usernames and passwords.”

How can companies protect themselves?

The PSA suggests several methods for protection, but here is one to review. Detect and identify all IoT devices within your networks and then ensure they are up to date with the latest security patches.Syxsense is the IT solution with the ability to detect IoT devices. Our discovery scan will show every device with an IP address connected to your networks. It is impossible to manage vulnerable devices if you don’t know they are there in the first place.

There’s a better way to manage IoT devices. Start your trial with Syxsense.